How to Prepare for Christmas Drinking Triggers Early
Prepare for Christmas drinking triggers early and the festive season will feel easier, more in control, and enjoyable. You’ll master what to say when people offer you a drink. You’ll learn how to say No to events and situations that feel risky. You’ll identify who in your life you need to avoid – for your own sake. Plus, you’ll go into the New Year feeling strong, empowered, and understanding your triggers on a deeper level.
So, let’s get prepared! First up…
What are drinking triggers?
Drinking triggers are situations, people and emotions that trigger us to drink. They can be simple or complex, and they are entirely individual. At Christmas time, there are certain triggers people struggle with most – office parties, old friends, the sight of festive cocktails, and wanting to fit in… Here’s how to start preparing yourself EARLY so when it happens, you’ll know what to do.
Christmas drinking triggers and how to prepare for them…
1. Parties
The atmosphere of a Christmas party can be a huge trigger. If you know a certain party is going to put your sobriety at risk, don’t go. Or, if you’re at a party and you can feel yourself being triggered, leave early. Prepare by going with a sober friend and support each other. Have an exit plan and a few lines prepared when people ask “But, why aren’t you drinking?!”
2. Former drinking buddies
These guys are out in force at Christmas time. They’ll say: “Just have one with me! You can have one. It’s Christmas!” The truth is, it’s rarely just one and you may quickly spiral into a cycle of addiction. Prepare for former drinking buddies with a firm refusal ready. Try: “I feel better without it” or “I’m allergic to alcohol these days” (which is, in a way, true).
3. Feeling like you have it under control...
If you’ve been sober for a few months you may have Fading Affect Bias. Feeling like you have it under control or “I wasn’t THAT bad!” can be dangerous. Have you ever been able to stop at one? Moderate? Not spiral into a cycle of addiction? Prepare for this by knowing yourself and identifying Fading Affect Bias when it pops up as a trigger.
4. Conflict with family
Nothing like being around family to scratch old wounds, make us feel vulnerable, and look for an ‘escape’. Prepare for this trigger by remembering that emotions and sensitivities are heightened at Christmas. If you know conflict is inevitable at this time of year with family, don’t go to a family event. If you do go, prepare strong boundaries.
5. Festive season loneliness
Being alone at this time of year is a common trigger to drink. Prepare for this by not isolating yourself and reaching out to people early. Plan at least one thing you know you’ll turn up to and get a quality social fix with people you enjoy.
6. Christmas joy
Yes, joy is THE biggest trigger to drink. It’s easy to get swept up in the festive cheer and want to drink to feel more ‘part of it’. Prepare yourself for this trigger by remembering that Christmas will come and go. Remember, Christmas activities and events can be enjoyed JUST AS MUCH without booze.
When Christmas triggers pop out of nowhere – seek a supportive community online or in person. Join my incredible community of women online over at Facebook: The Women’s Wellbeing Collective. We’ll all get through Christmas together!
P.S. Doors are open for my January 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge. We start on January 8. That’s 30 days of education, support, friendship, and daily accountability. More info HERE.
Join the Alcohol Free Challenge this January!
Curious about taking a break from booze? Would like to give your body a chance to detox and reset? Join hundreds of women in my next Alcohol Free Challenge, and get 30 days of information, support and community!